From Christmas Eve to Epiphany, Francis's calendar packed

Visits to kids, World Day of Peace, all part of pope's holiday

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(ANSA) - Vatican City, December 17 - Like much of the
Christian world, Pope Francis has a hectic Christmas holiday
season planned, according to his schedule released Tuesday by
the Vatican.
Among his engagements, the pope will visit patients at
Rome's Bambino Gesù children's hospital on Saturday.
That will be followed by one of the highlights of the
season, Christmas Eve Mass in the Papal Chapel of St. Peter's
Basilica - the first time for Francis, who became pope in March.
At noon on Christmas Day, Francis will deliver his
Christmas message as well as the special "Urbi et Orbi" (to the
city and world) blessing given by the pope on such significant
occasions as Easter and Christmas.
On New Year's Eve is the celebration of the first Vespers
and the traditional signing of the Te Deum for the feast of the
Solemnity of Mary Mother of God.
On the morning of January 1, Francis will celebrate Mass
and speak on the theme of the Church's 47th annual World Day of
Peace, "Fraternity: the foundation and path for peace".
The cycle of the Christmas liturgies will conclude on
January 6 with Mass celebrating the feast of the Epiphany,
marking the baptism of Jesus, as well as a baptism of newborns
in the Sistine Chapel.